Kappa Upsilon Chi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
|
| Motto | "As Iron sharpens Iron, so one man sharpens another" - Proverbs 27:17 |
|---|---|
| Colors | Blue (Leadership under Christ), Green (Growth under Christ) and White (Purity under Christ) |
| Symbol | Knight |
| Flower | No Flower |
| Founded | February 5, 1993 at Texas Tech University |
| Fraternity type | Social Christian |
| Scope | United States |
| Headquarters | PO Box 8998 (Zip=79114-8998) Amarillo, Texas, USA |
| Chapters | 10 (9 Active, 0 colonies and 7 interest groups) |
| Homepage | KYX Nationals |
Kappa Upsilon Chi (Keeping Under Christ or ΚΥΧ) is a National Christian fraternity composed of Christian collegians seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Contents |
[edit] History
The Kappa Chi story begins in a Texas Tech University dorm room in 1993 after two men sought out to create a ministry for Christian men at Texas Tech University. The men became familiar with the idea after Sigma Phi Lambda a Christian women's-only sorority at TTU had become a part of the campus landscape. The two men from a Christian Ministry background joined forces with two men from a Fraternity background to create a new fraternity for Christian men. The four men of differing denominational backgrounds came together in the winter of 1993 at Texas Tech University to found the male-only equivalent which has now grown to become one of the largest incorporated non-profit men's ministries that has reached five states, initiated over 1,000 men and lead to the founding of Theta Alpha, a women's-only sorority for Christians.
Darren White, an Alpha pledge class member, was an initiate of the Texas Tech chapter of Phi Gamma Delta and had previous experience with Greek Letter Organizations. The men briefly considered establishing various other Christian fraternities, but with White's help, they instead chose to establish a new fraternity given their knowledge of both "traditional" Greek life's tradition, ritual, and structure with their knowledge of how to run a ministry for Christian collegians. They were also deterred by the rather long colonization timelines set forth by other National Christian fraternities whom they contacted. [1]
The founders were Tyler Beard, David Boncler, Ken Rowland, and Matt Welborn. They brought in their first pledge class of 13 that spring.
[edit] Expansion beyond Lubbock
The first move from a local fraternity to a national fraternity occurred in the fall of 1995 when 12 men established a Beta chapter of Kappa Upsilon Chi at Wayland Baptist University. The next move did not happen until 1999 when eighteen men from Southwestern University began the Gamma Chapter. Despite the late start, KYX has managed fast growth expanding to its fifth state in 2004 with six new colonization sites setting up currently. More information is available later in the article.
[edit] Incorporation
The national organization of the Fraternity was incorporated on February 5, 2006 in San Antonio, Texas by the nine members of the National Board of Directors. Approximately six campuses are attempting to bring Kappa Upsilon Chi to their schools as a ministry. These campuses are listed later in the article. [2]
[edit] About Kappa Upsilon Chi
Kappa Upsilon Chi stands for Keeping Under Christ and uses the following Biblical reference as a foundation for the meaning of their name:
“Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the morning if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me; your right hand will hold me fast. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.” - Psalms 139: 7-10, 17-18
Kappa Upsilon Chi seeks to grow its members internally through accountability groups, prayer nights, service projects and brotherhood events. Kappa Chi seeks to have an influence on the community through the giving of a tithe, service projects, philanthropy and outreach.
Kappa Chi has associate members, active members and alumni members. [3]
[edit] The Ministy of Keeping Under Christ
Definition of a Fraternity
A fraternity is an association of men, selected in their college days by a democratic process, because of their adherence to common ideals and aspirations. Out of their association arises a personal relationship which makes them unselfishly seek to advance one another in the arts of life and to add to the formal instruction of the college curriculum, the culture, and the character which men acquire by contact with great personalities, or when admitted to partnership in great traditions.A fraternity too is of such character that after men have left college they delight to renew their own youth by continued association with it and to bring their richest experiences back to the younger generation in part payment of the debt which they feel themselves to owe to the fraternity for what is gave them in their formative years. - Newton D. Baker (Johns Hopkins 1892)
The Christian Response
Kappa Upsilon Chi is a fraternity in all of these respects, but has been taken a step father than that of a standard fraternity. We are bound by friendship, honor, and common interests. However, we are first and foremost bound by the love of Jesus Christ, God's son, our Savior. Because of this we can do all things. - Darren White (Alpha Chapter - Alpha Class)
[edit] Internal Growth
Accountability Groups - Kappa Upsilon Chi believes firmly in Christian accountability and because of this, each chapter assigns brothers into small groups for accountability that meet each week. These groups are not meant to be means of disciplinary actions but of Christian edification. These groups are designed to facilitate discipleship, accountability and to foster communication among brothers
Prayer Nights - Each chapter holds at least three prayer nights each semester on campus where brothers connect through prayer and lift up their chapters and their campus.
Brotherhood Retreat - Each chapter has a retreat each semester designed to solidify the bonds of brotherhood. These retreats are usually held in a State or National park to get away from the distractions of modern technology.
[edit] External Growth
Service Projects - Kappa Upsilon Chi chapters are believers in service to others to help stoke the fires in the community and turn hearts on fire for Jesus Christ.
Campus Involvement - Kappa Upsilon Chi encourages brothers to be involved in other campus activities along for Christian and Non-Christian groups. This is including but not limited to Student Government, Campus Ministry Leadership, Varsity Sports Teams, Honor Societies, Campus Outreach Organizations and any other extracurricular activity that could be used for relationship evangelism. [4]
Turkey Fry - The signature event of each Kappa Chi chapter is holding a Turkey Fry on campus once a semester. These events raise awareness for Kappa Chi and usually raise money for Christian Charities.
[edit] Unique facts about Kappa Upsilon Chi
Fraternity Colors: Kappa Upsilon Chi has three official colors: royal, green and white. The color royal represents leadership under Christ's reign over the fraternity, the color green represents growth under Christ and the color white represents purity under Christ. The color royal was debated between the traditional royal (a vivid purple) and the color royal blue but was ultimately, over time decided that the color was royal blue.
Fraternity Mascot: The Fraternity mascot, the Knight was adopted in 1995 and represents a quest for ideals. The mascot is only used for promotion purposes.
Pledge Beads: Pledges must keep up with their Pledge Beads (a set of royal, green and white beads seven beads long) during their pledgeship. They are not to take them off for any reason, at any time.
Active Cross: The mark of an initiated brother in the fratenrity is that the brother wears an "Active Cross" which is given after initiation.
Open Motto: "As Iron sharpens Iron, so one man sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17
Turkey Fry: Every chapter of Kappa Upsilon Chi has the Turkey Fry as their "signature" social event. Some chapters use the Turkey Fry to raise money for local charities or as a philanthropic event.
Purpose Statement: Kappa Upsilon Chi exists for several reasons. Our greatest desire is to glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We also seek to uphold and maintain Biblical Christian standards, to be an influence in the community through servant lifestyles, to pursue a positive attitude and spirit, and to help others strengthen their academic achievement, enabling them to be what the Lord calls them to be. We do this by submitting to the Lord, our God, and allowing Him to direct our lives as Psalm 139:23-24 states, "Search me, O God, and know my heart, test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." We seek solely to do the will of God. [5]
[edit] The Organization
Kappa Upsilon Chi officially incorporated as Keeping Under Christ on Feb. 5, 2006 Super Bowl Sunday in San Antonio, Texas. The first ever Board of Directors was appointed and Mike Eaton was elected the first chairman. This board is currently in the process of establishing new chapters, a new national homepage and promoting the ministry.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors oversees the National Organization of Kappa Upsilon Chi and approves all programming and decisions made by the Fraternity. They also ensure the day-to-day operations of the ministry are flowing in an appropriate fashion.
| National BOD member | Alma Mater |
|---|---|
| Brian Alley | Texas Tech University Alpha |
| Matthew Carter | Texas Tech University Alpha |
| Mike Eaton | Texas Tech University Alpha |
| Kevin Hail | Texas Tech University Alpha |
| Brian Rasmussen | Texas Tech University Alpha |
| Aaron Rohre | Southwestern University Gamma |
| Chris Schwab | Texas Tech University Alpha |
| Brent Webster | Southwestern University Gamma |
| Randy Wiesehan | Texas Tech University Alpha |
Chapters (All Information from Kappa Upsilon Chi National Statistics)
Active Chapters
- Α Alpha - Texas Tech University The Alpha Chapter opened in 1993 and continues to serve men at Texas Tech as a ministry. Brothers of the Alpha Chapter were successful in establishing the national body of Kappa Chi.
- Β Beta - Wayland Baptist University The Beta Chapter was the first branch chapter and opened in 1995 at Wayland Baptist. The chapter is large for the school size, averaging roughly 20-25 members each semester.
- Γ Gamma - Southwestern University The Gamma Chapter has the highest ratio of brothers to men on campus with roughly nine percent of the campus male population belonging the Kappa Upsilon Chi. This chapter opened in 1999.
- Δ Delta - Georgia College and State University The Delta Chapter opened in 2001 and was the first chapter to have an unofficial house.
- Ε Epsilon - University of New Mexico The Epsilon Chapter opened in 2003 and has grown to average around 30-35 brothers each semester.
- Η Eta - Lamar University The Eta Chaper opened in 2004 and is still in its foundation building period but has grown to 10 brothers.
- Θ Theta - University of Florida The Theta Chapter opened in 2005 and has initiated 60 brothers. The Theta Chapter has brothers involved in the UF Student Senate, Student Government Cabinet, Campus Crusade for Christ leadersip, Fellowship of Christian Athletes leadership, the UF Water Polo and the UF Rugby team. This chapter was second to get an unofficial house.
- Κ Kappa - Florida State University The Kappa Chapter opened in the spring of 2006 and is still in its foundation building period.
Dormant Chapters
- Ζ Zeta - University of Oklahoma (Dormant) The Zeta Chapter grew to initiate 25 men but shut down fall 2006.
- Ι Iota - University of Texas at Dallas (Dormant) The Iota Chapter iniated 5 men but fell dormant in the spring of 2006.
Future Chapters
- Λ Lambda - University of Central Florida The Lambda Chapter is scheduled to open the fall of 2007. Currently, 15 men are working to found the chapter at UCF under the direction of Delta Chapter alumnus Jake Grant. This chapter is currently on Step 2 of 3.
- M Mu - University of North Florida The Mu Chapter is scheduled to open in the fall of 2007 in Jacksonville, Florida. Currently, 6 men are working to found the chapter under the direction of the Theta Chapter at the University of Florida. This chapter is currently on Step 2 of 3.
Colony Sites
- New Mexico State University - KYX Epsilon brother Adam Beconomo is working to establish this chapter with over thirty men at NMSU. This future colony is currently on Step 1 of 3.
- University of Louisville - KYX Alpha Chapter Alumnus Jeff Martin is currently working to establish this chapter at Louisville while attending Southern Seminary. This future colony is currently on Step 1 of 3.
- University of Tennessee - A group of men at the University of Tennessee Knoxville are currently on Step 1 of 3 in establishing a new chapter of Kappa Upsilon Chi.
Currently there are interest groups at the University of Southern Mississippi, University of Kentucky, Clemson University, Auburn University and Ohio State University; however, these interest groups have not completed their first step in the colonization process which is why they are not listed under 'colony sites.'
[edit] Chapter Structure
Each chapter is divided into different groups to form a hierarchy that can ensure that the day-to-day mission of Keeping Under Christ, Inc. is kept. The chapter is divided into an officer corps, an active body and a pledge classes each semester. Also, each chapter runs on a constitutional committee system. This system creates a series of committees made up of actives and pledges that organizes the functionality of the chapter under the direction of a specific officer. The officers are in charge of all scheduling, all activities, programming and ritual.
There are six officer positions in Kappa Upsilon Chi. There is the president, the external vice president, internal vice president, chaplain, secretary and treasurer.
[edit] National Leadership Summit
Each year, to maintain national unity, the officers from each chapter meet at the National Leadership Summit in Weatherford, Texas to induct new chapters and establish consistency for all chapters. At the Leadership Summitt, all major decisions regarding the Fraternity are made and the National Board of Directors informs the entire body of the changes made in the past year along with establishing a Strategic Plan for the next year.
[edit] Expansion
Kappa Upsilon Chi expands every year to new campuses. To start a new chapter, a potential colony must show interest and contact the fraternity's National Board of Directors (chapter.expansion@kyx.org) and fill out the appropriate paperwork. A telephone or in-person interview will follow and it will be decided whether a chapter can or cannot be established. If a potential colony is invited to become an official colony, they will come to the National Leadership Summit in August of that year and be inducted into the Fraternity. The men will pledge for one semester and then be initiated by an appointed group of brothers, usually the closest full chapter.
[edit] New Chapter Expansion
New Chapter Expansion was recently amended by the National Board of Directors at their August 3, 2006 meeting in Weatherford, Texas. The new process will individually evaluate each campus, judge the potential for success of the colonization process and then implement a year-long plan for development.
The following campuses are currently considering and applying for new chapters that, if all goes on schedule will be inducted over the next few year at the University of North Florida, University of Louisville, University of Southern Mississippi and New Mexico State University.
It appears as though the Lambda colony will be opening on the campus of the University of Central Florida in Orlando January, 2007. Also making considerable strides is the potential Mu Chapter at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. If both of these colonies are approved, Florida will be home to four chapters of Kappa Upsilon Chi.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Kappa Upsilon Chi National Communications Committee Interview with founder Ken Rowland conducted on Jun. 14, 2006 by a member of the National Board of Directors for Keeping Under Christ, Inc. The interview concerned the origins of Kappa Upsilon Chi fraternity and possible influences. This is also backed up by an interview on August 4, 2006 from Founding Father and Pastor Midland Bible Church Tyler Beard.
- ^ http://www.kyx.org/nationals/history.htm
- ^ This can be found on Kappa Upsilon Chi's national Web site at http://www.kyx.org/nationals/symbols.htm
- ^ http://www.kyx.org/nationals/ministry.htm
- ^ http://www.kyx.org/nationals/symbols.htm
[edit] External links
- Kappa Upsilon Chi National website
- Kappa Upsilon Chi Texas Tech chapter website
- Kappa Upsilon Chi Wayland Baptist University chapter website
- Kappa Upsilon Chi Southwestern University chapter website
- Kappa Upsilon Chi Georgia College and State University website
- Kappa Upsilon Chi University of New Mexico website
- Kappa Upsilon Chi Oklahoma University chapter website
- Kappa Upsilon Chi Lamar University chapter website
- Kappa Upsilon Chi University of Florida website
- Kappa Upsilon Chi Florida State University website
- Kappa Upsilon Chi Article in the UF Alligator about Kappa Chi foundation
- Kappa Upsilon Chi Article in the UF Alligator about Kappa Chi national foundation
- Kappa Upsilon Chi Article about the Texas Tech Chapter
 |
Christian Fraternities |
|---|---|
| Ten or more chapters: |
Sigma Theta Epsilon, 1925 | Beta Upsilon Chi, 1985 | Alpha Nu Omega, 1988 | Kappa Upsilon Chi, 1993 |
| Less than ten chapters: |
Alpha Gamma Omega, 1927 | Chi Alpha Omega, 1987 | Gamma Phi Delta, 1988 | Men of God, 1999 |
